What is a New England Groove Association you ask? I am not entirely sure, but it sure as hell peaks my interest. Folk songstress Sarah Blacker has been a strong thread in the New England music community for the past who knows how many years. She was one of the first songwriter types I met in my time back in town nearly a decade ago and she has kept at it strong for the duration, hitting the road, the radio and always striving to hone her craft and expand her sound and writing.
Another common theme in Blacker’s career has been Passim as a sort of home base she returns to and gives all to in performances over the years. This Saturday she will return with her New England Groove Association with Aaron Z. Katz and Phil Selesnick. The dynamic added by the two additional musicians creates a sort of funky and constant motion within the singer-songwriter’s words. Katz’s percussion is inventive and the layers he creates are deep and surround the songs, the keys provided by Selesnick enforce the interesting chord patterns and sounds in Blacker’s arrangements. As a trio, the sound coming from three individuals is much bigger than just that.
If that isn’t enough of a reason to get out, this show will be Blacker’s “Birthday Show” with her actual birthday on 1/11, she feels that there’s no better way to get older, than doing what she loves most. Get tickets HERE while they are still available. Greg Townsend of Perilune opens.
More about the artist:Blacker relocated from Medford, MA to Salem, MA a year and a half ago, and has since run a successful two-day music festival with Katz during the month of October featuring acts such as, (Dave) DiCenso Clark Expedition, Charlie Farren and Hayley Sabella, amongst many others. She completed a 6-week solo national tour, as well as regular regional (and Midwest / Mid-Atlantic) trips as a duo with Aaron Z. Katz. The two have also been busily growing their sound to include new players, such as keyboards, (Selesnick) bass, horns and even at times MCs to embellish the songs penned by both award-winning songwriters.
When not traveling, Blacker, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, and Katz a producer / music program director, have both also been running groups for adolescents, adults and seniors in after-school and day programs, schools acute mental health and substance abuse hospitals.
They are currently in the recording studio, preparing for a 2017 release including several of Blacker’s new songs as well as some by Katz. (all are to be played live at this show) Their live sets have been appealing to the jam and club scenes, as well as those who appreciate the thoughtful sensibilities of both musicians / writers. The new release will feature a somewhat home-grown approach, as it is being recorded live in their music room.
